A poll of voter intentions published Thursday showed Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (left) and conservative rival Flavio Bolsonaro in a statistical tie. (AFP pic)BRASILIA: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has narrowed the gap with his conservative rival Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of the country's Oct 25 presidential runoff, a poll showed Thursday.

The eldest son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro caused surprise by defeating Lula in the Oct 4 first round with 47% of the vote compared to the Lula's 45%.

Lula has sought to rebound by boosting his presence on social media and announcing a range of crowd-pleasing social measures.

A Datafolha poll of voter intentions published Thursday showed the rivals in a statistical tie.